Alarm and protector



'May 3, 1949. P. LA PORTA ALARM AND PROTECTOR Filed July -9,- 1947 "sensu IN VEN TOR.

A l from/@x A l Patented May 3, 1949 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ALARM AND PROTECTOR Philip La Porta, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Application July 9, 1947, Serial No. 759,798

8 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in alarms and protectors, and has more particular reference to a small article of the character mentioned which may be conveniently carried in a ladys handbag or pocket, and which is particularly intended to protect persons.

The alarm and protector is Specifically for women, though it may be used by men also, who are required to travel through lonely sections of cities or outlying areas at night. Frequently such people are accosted by hold up men, morons or degenerates, and become so frightened that they cannot scream for help. However such people may carry the new alarm and protector which does not require any manipulation whatsoever to become activated and give an alarm. If the device is dropped it will go oil?. If the person has sufcient control of her faculties she may also set it olf and aim it as desired.

It is an important object of this invention to so construct the alarm and protector that it is harmless and will ynot cause permanent injury and therefore will not be illegal to carry.

Another object of this invention is to so construct the device that when it is set ofi it will give an acoustic signal, such as a shrill and loud whistle, which will continue for a short period of time, which may vary from a half minute to several minutes. The device will also discharge a spray of liquid which may be in the nature of a chemical of an obnoxious odor, and/or a paint, and/or fumes which will be highly uncomfortable to an assailant, such as tear gas. It should be noted that not only does the device give an alarm but it takes steps of spraying the assailant so as to identify him when captured, and also tending to rout him with fumes.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an automatic light which immediately goes on when the alarm and protector goes olf so that the general area of disturbance may be seen by persons in the vicinity.

Another and important object of this invention is to construct the alarm and protector of a convenient form so that it may be-easily carried in ones handbag .or pocket, and subsequently carried in ones hand. For example, it maybe of cylindrical form about siX- or seven inches long and aninch or -inch and a half in diameter. An article of this type may easily4 be carried in ones hand.

Another object resides in providing the cylindrical alarm and protector with a trigger by which a person may control its operation. It is also proposed to provide a safely latch for nor- A further object of this invention is to con-y struct the alarm and protector compact and light, and simple so that it may be manufacturedV and sold at a reasonable cost. y

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawing, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth. y

In the accompanying drawing forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of an alarm and protector constructed in accordance with' this invention.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical sec tional View taken on the line 2-2 of Fig.` 1.

Fig.` 3 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary enlarged longitudinal sectional viewtaken on the line 4 4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on the line 5 5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is an rend elevational .view looking in the direction of the line 6-6 of Fig. 1.

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken on the line 'I-'I of Fig. 2. f

The alarm and protector, in accordance with this invention, includes a hollow cylindrical casing I0 of a size to be conveniently carried in ones hand. VA liquidvcontainer II is mounted within the casing I0 for holding paint, an odorous chemical, or other chemic-al which may be sprayed'.

The container II is located at one end of the `casing I0. The outer end of the container II is provided with a plug I2 which may be unscrewed from an opening through which the liquid may be placed into the container. The plug I2 is provided with a vent I3 which is controlled by a one way valve I4 which will permit air to enter the container II as the liquid is being used up, but

which will prevent the liauid from leaking out.

A tube system is associated with the container II for conducting the liquid to points around the container from which it will be sprayed. This tube system includes a main tube' I 6 mounted through the inner end of the container II and constructed of flexible material so that it may bend in all directions. A weight I1 is mounted upon the inner end of the tube I6. This weight I'I has several projections I8 at its bottom end to always keep the bottom end of the tube I6 slightly spaced from the bottom of the container I I. The

tube I6 passes through a liquid seal 20 mounted on the end of the container I I so that the liquid from the container does not leak out. The outer end of the tube I6 is provided with a valve 2l controlling passage of liquid through the main tube I6 to a plurality of small auxiliary tubes 22 connected to the short tube I6' past the valve 2l. These auxiliary tubes 22 extend radially within the casing I to different points around the interior of the casing IU and then along the sides of the container II to points near the front end of the casing I0. At these points the auxiliary tubes 22 have discharge nozzles 23 which extend out through slots or openings 24 formed in the casing I0.

An air drum or container 26 is also mounted within the casing I0, preferably at the other end of the casing. This air container 26 connects with a tube system for spraying the liquid from the container I I. More particularly, the air container 26 is provided with a main tube 21 which is controlled by a valve 28. A plurality of auxilary air tubes 29 connected with the short tube 21' pass the valve 28 and extend radially within the casing II'I and then forwardly and terminate in air discharge nozzles v3U disposed to blow streams of air across the liquid discharge nozzles 23. Air discharging through the nozzles 30 will pass across the nozzles 23 and spray the liquid discharged by these nozzles.

The valves 2| and 28 have their valve stems connected byy a connecting rod 32 which is provided with an abutment rod 33 engaging against a trigger lever 34. The trigger lever 34 is mounted through an opening 35 formed in the casing I0. One end of the trigger lever 34 is pivotally supported by a pintle 36 engaging bosses 31 formed or mounted on and within the casing I8. Springs 38 and 39 are mounted upon the stems of the valves 2I and 28, respectively, and act against the valve bodies and tend to normally urge the valves 2| and 28 into open positions. The trigger lever 34 normally holds the valves 2I and 28 closed. A safety latch 40 is mounted on the casing I0 adjacent the end of the trigger lever 34 for normally locking the trigger lever in its down position. This safety latch 40 is pivotally supported by a rivet 4I. Friction washers 42 are mounted upon the rivetl 4I for normally holding the safety latch 40 from accidentally turning open. The latch 40 is provided with a small handle 43 by which it may be manually gripped and moved. It is also provided with a projection 44 engaging a complementary keeper opening in the trigger lever 34.

A police whistle or other acoustic signal 45 is mounted within the casing I0 and is connected with the main tube 21 of the air container 26 by a tube 46. The connection takes place past the valve 28 so that the whistle 45 will receive air when the valve 23 is opened. The casing I0 is formed with a plurality of slots 41, or other openings, through which the sounds from the whistle 45 may pass.

A flashlight 48 is also mounted within the casing I6 and has its front end which is provided with a lamp 49 directed outwards from one end of the casing I0. The flashlight 48 is of standard construction operated by the usual dry cells. The circuit of the ilashlight 48 is controlled by a switch 56. This switch 50 is operated by a link 5I which is connected with the connecting rod 32. The arrangement is such that when the connecting rod 32 moves due to the valves 2I and 28 opening, the switch 50 will be moved and the 4 flashlight 48 will go on, and the lamp 49 thereof will throw a beam of light from the end of the casing II).

The outer end of the air container 26 is provided with a tire valve 53 through which compressed air may be supplied to the container.

The operation and use of the alarm and protector may be understood from the following:

The air container 26 is supplied with compressed air through the tire valve 53. Persons may obtain the air from automobile gas stations and other places having a compressed air supply. Preferably, the container 2E should be lled with compressed air from 60 to 120 lbs. per square inch, depending upon design of the particular' instrument. If the higher pressures are used it may be advisable to supply each user of the device with a small air pump for this purpose. The liquid ywhich is used with the alarm and protector is placed in the container II by removing the plug li. and then replacing the plug after the container is filled. The device is now ready to be used and may be carried in ones purse or pocket.

When a person armed with the alarm and protector reaches 'a deserted area she removes the device from her purse and carries it in her hand. The safety latch 4i) is opened but the control lever 34 is held down. The person walks along holding the device so as to hold the trigger lever 34 down. Should the person be accosted she may the end of the casing I0 which isprovided with the nozzlen 23 and 30 towards her assailant and threaten to set olf the alarm. If the accosted person is struck on the head from behind or is attacked, and drops the alarm and protector, the springs '38 and 39 will set it oi. The springs 38 and 39 push up on the connecting rod 32 and the abutment rod 33. As soon as the trigger lever 34 is released the springs 38 and 39 are free to open the valves 2| and 28. The compressed air from the air container 26 now passes through the tube 43 and through the whistle 45 which gives out a shrill whistle. Simultaneously the air passes through the auxiliary tubes 29.

The valve 2l controls the liquid from the container I I. The liquid will pass through the tubes 22. The iiexible main tube I6 will bend down because of the Weight il and will always assume a down position irrespective of the position into which the alarm and protector may fall on the ground. The liquid nozzles 23 and air'nozzles 30 will discharge a cloud of the liquid which will be dispersed in many directions.

If the alarm and protector is aimed at an assailant the assailant will positively be sprayed. If the alarm and protector is dropped the chances are very great that the assailant will also be covered with a spray since the spray will reach a large area of the vicinity. The light 48 will become illuminated because the switch 50 Will be closed by the rod 5I.

The shrill whistle and the spray, which may be a noxious chemical or an irritating substance, may drive off the assailant. Persons in the vicinity will near the whistle and undoubtedly come to the rescue.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications ooming within the scope of the invention as dened in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as `new and desire 'to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. An alarm and protector, comprising a casing of a size to be conveniently carried in ones hand, a liquid container within said casing for a paint or odorous chemical spray, a tube system for liquid and having discharge nozzles around said casing and connected with said liquid container and including a supply tube for liquid eX- tending into said liquid container, an air container Within said casing, a tube system for compressed air and having discharge nozzles directed across said rst named nozzles for spraying liquid from said liquid container and including a supply tube for air connected with said air container, valves controlling the flow of liquid and air respectively through said supply tubes in order to control passage of liquid and air, respectively, through said tube system for liquid and said tube system for air, a trigger lever movably mounted on said casing and adapted to be manually held down, a safety latch for holding said triggerlever down, and resilient means for opening said valves and connected With and normally held inoperative by said trigger lever in its down position.

2. An alarm and protector, comprising a casing of a. size to be conveniently carried in ones hand, a liquid container within said casing for a paint or odorous chemical spray, a tube system for liquid and having discharge nozzles around said casing and connected With said liquid container and including a supply` tube for liquid extending into said liquid container, an air container within said casing, a tube system for compressed air and having discharge nozzles directed across said first named nozzles for sprayinglliquid from said liquid container and including a supply tube for air connected with said air container, valves controlling the i'low of liquid and air respectively through said supply tubes in order to control passage of liquid and air, respectively, through said tube system for liquid and said tube system for air, a trigger lever movably mounted on said casing and adapted to be manually held down, a safety latch for holding said trigger lever down, and resilient means for opening said valves and connected with and normally held inoperative by said trigger lever in its down position, said discharge nozzles being arranged at points around said casing.

3. An alarm and protector, comprising a casing of a size to be conveniently carried in ones hand, a liquid container within said casing for a paint or odorous chemical spray, a tube system for liquid and having discharge nozzles around said casing and connected With said liquid container and including a supply tube for liquid extending into said liquid container, an air container Within said casing, a tube system for com.. pressed air and having discharge nozzles directed across said first named nozzles for spraying liquid from said liquid container and including a supply tube for air connected with said air container, valves controlling the flow of liquid and air respectively through said supply tubes in order to control passage of liquid and air, respectively, through said tube system for liquid and said tube system for air, a trigger lever movably mounted on said casing and adapted to be manually held down, a safety latch for holding said trigger lever down, and resilient means for opening said valves and connected with and normally held inoperative by said trigger lever in its down position, said air container being provided with 6 a tire valve through which compressed air may be supplied to it.

4. An alarm and protector, comprising a casing of a size to be conveniently carried in ones hand, a liquid container Within said casing for a paint or odorous chemical spray, a tube system for liquid and having discharge nozzles around said casing and connected with said liquid container and including a supply tube for liquid extending into said liquid container, an air container within said casing, a tube system for compressed air and having discharge nozzles directed across said iirst named nozzles for spraying liquid from said liquid container and including a supply tube for air connected with said air container, valves controlling the ow of liquid and air respectively through said supply tubes in order to control passage of liquid and air, respectively, through said tube system for liquid and said tube system for air, a trigger lever movably mounted on said casing and adapted to bemanually held down, a safety latch for holding said trigger lever down, and resilient means for opening Said valves and connected with and normally held inoperative by said trigger lever in its down position, the inner end of said main tube of said tube system for liquid being exible and bendable toV the bottomof said liquid container, and aweight mounted on the end of said flexible main tube to maintain it downwards by gravity.

l5. An alarm and protector, comprising a casing ci a size to be conveniently carried in ones hand, a liquid container within said casing for a paint or odorous chemical spray, a tube system for liquid and having discharge nozzles around said casing and connected with said liquid container and including a supply tube for liquid extending into said liquid container, an air container Within said casing, a tube system for compressed air and having discharge nozzles directed across said rst named nozzles for spraying liquid from said liquid container and including a supply tube for air connected with said air container, valves controlling the flow of liquid and air respectively through said supply tubes in order to control passage of liquid and air, respectively, through said tube system for liquid and said tube system for air, a trigger lever movably mounted on said casing and adapted to be manually held down, a safety latch for holding said trigger lever down, and resilient means for opening said valves and connected with and normally held inoperative by said trigger lever in its down position, and projections from said Weight for holding the end of said flexible main tube slightly spaced from the bottom of said liquid container.

6. An alarm and protector, comprising a casing of a size to be conveniently carried in ones hand, a liquid container within said casing for a paint or odorous chemical spray, a tube system for liquid and having discharged nozzles around said casing and connected with said liquid container and including a supply tube for liquid extending into said liquid container, an air container within said casing, a tube system for cornpressed air and having discharge nozzles directed across said i-lrst named nozzles for spraying liquid from said liquid container and including a supply tube for air connected with said air container, valves controlling the flow of liquid and air respectively through said supply tubes in order to control passage of liquid and air, respectively, through said tube system for liquid and said tube system for air, a trigger lever movably mounted on said casing and adapted to be manually held down, a safety latch for holding said trigger lever down, resilient means for opening said valvesv and connected with and normally held inoperative by said trigger lever in its down position, and a whistle connected with said tube system for compressed air at a point past the valve thereof for operating When said valve is opened.

7. An alarm and protector, comprising a casing of a size to be conveniently carried in ones hand, a liquid container Within said casing for a paint or odorous chemical spray, a tube system for liquid and having discharge nozzles around said casing and connected with said liquid container and including a supply tube for liquid extending into said liquid container, an air container within said casing, a tube system for compressed air and having discharge nozzles directed across said first named nozzles for spraying liquid from said liquid container and including a supply tube for air connected with said air con tainer, valves controlling the ow of liquid and air respectively through said supply tubes in order to control passage of liquid and air, respectively, through said tube system for liquid and said tube system for air, a trigger lever movablyA mounted on said casing and adapted to be manually held down, a safety latch for holding said trigger lever down, resilient means for opening said valves and connected With and normally held inoperative by said trigger lever in its down position, and a Whistle connected with said tube system for compressed air at a point past the valve thereof for operating when said valve is opened, said whistle being mounted Within said casing, and said casing being provided with openings through which the sounds of the whistle may pass.

8. An alarm and protector, comprising a casing of a size to be conveniently carried in ones hand and having an opening at one end through which the light of a flashlight may pass, a liquid container Within said casing for a paint or odorous chemical spray, a tube system for liquid and having discharge nozzles around said casing and connected with said liquid container and including a supply tube for liquid extending into said liquid container, an air container Within said casing, a tube system for compressed air and having discharge nozzles directed across said iirst named nozzles for spraying liquid from said liquid container and including a supply tube for air connected with said air container, valves controlling the ow of liquid and air respectively through said supply tubes in order to control passage of liquid and air, respectively, through said tube system for liquid and said tube system for air, a trigger lever movably mounted on said casing and adapted to be manually held clown, a safety latch for holding said` trigger lever down, resilient means for opening said valves and connected with and normally held inoperative by said trigger lever in its down position, a Whistle connected with said tube system for compressed air at a point past the valve thereof for operating when said valve is opened, a flashlight mounted in said casing for throwing aA beam of light through said opening in said casing and having a control switch, and meansfor closing said switch simultaneously with the opening of said valves.

PHILIP LA PORTA.

REFERENCES CITED The following references arev of record in the nie of this patent:

UNITED STATES- PATENTS Number Nam'e Date 1,637,396 Solodar Aug. 2, 1927 1,811,572 Ailes June 23, 1931 2,041,577 Sutherland May 19, 1936 

